Biplane.



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BIPLANE.

APPLICATION man mms, |914.

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BIPLANE.

APPLlcATloN man 1m28, 1914.

1 ,1 90, 1 78. Patented July 4, 1916.

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ATTORNEYS 244. AERONAUTICS G. G. LELEVIER. y

BIPLANE.

APPLICATION mso 1AN.28.1914.

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ATTHNEYS 244. AERONAUTIGS G. G. LELEVIER.

BIPLANE.

APPLICATION FILED IAII.2B. I9I4 1,190,178. Patented July 4,1916.

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WTNESSES ATORNEYS 244. AERONAUTICS GUSTAVE G. LELEVIER, OF DOUGLAS, ARIZONA.

IBIPLANE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J u1)r 4, 1916.

Application filed January 28, 1914. Serial No. 814,923.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, GUsTAvE G. LELEVIER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Douglas, in the county of Cochise and State of Arizona, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Biplanes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is an improvement in biplanes, and has for its object to provide a device of the character specified, wherein mechanism is provided for stabilizing the device without the use of ailerons and without the necessity of warping any portion of the supporting wings.

A further object is to provide additional stabilizing means operable at will, either independently of the steering mechanism or in conjunction therewith.

A further object is to provide mechanism for braking or checking the forward movement of the machine, as a whole, or either side thereof.

A further object is to provide a single propeller shaft to which a plurality of motors is connected, in such manner that either motor may be stopped and stand idle without affecting the operation of the other.

A further object is to provide stabilizing jibs arranged to receive the air as it passes rearwardly from the upper plane to prevent the said air from striking the balloon jib or parachute cover.

A further object is to provide a double control for vertical guidance, wherein a two part tail is provided, the sections of which may be operated independently or simultaneously.

In the drawings Figure l is a top plan view of the improved bi-plane with parts broken away, Fig. 2 is a front view, Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1, Fig. it is a perspective view of one end of the biplane, Fig. 5 is an enlarged section on the line 5-5 of Fig. l, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper plane, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one of the tail sections, Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the clutch connection for the propeller shaft, Fig. 9 is a similar view of the operating mechanism for the balloon jib or parachute arrangement, Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the mounting of one of the landing wheels, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an arrangement for insuring stability, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the steering wheel and its connections.

The present embodiment of the invention comprises an upper plane consisting of a framework composed of a front supporting rod or bar 1 and laterally extending ribs 2, which are connected with the rod or bar l, and extend rearwardly therefrom, and the said ribs are connected intermediate their ends by a cross bar or rod 3. A covering 4 of suitable material, as for instance, canvas or the like, is arranged longitudinally of the framework on the upper side thereof and at its intermediate portion the framework is provided with a fiexible covering 5 of suitable material, the said covering having its ends secured to the framework just described, and being above the covering 4.

At the center of the plane just described, four standards 6 are arranged, the standards being arranged in pairs, one pair at the front of the plane and the other pair at the rear. The standards 6 are of the usual construction, being tubular in form, and supporting and landing wheels 7 are connected with the lower ends of the standards. Each of the said wheels is journaled in the arms S of a yoke, whose body 9 is provided with an upwardly extending rod 10, and each of the rods 10 fits in the lower end of the adjacent standard 6.

A plug 11 of rubber or like material is inserted in the upper end of the rod 10, and a similar plug 12 is arranged in the standard. A coil spring 13 encircles each rod 10 between the body 9 of the yoke and an an nular rib 14 at the lower end of the standard, the said springs acting normally to press the wheels downwardly with respect to the standards. That portion of the standard between the plugs 11 and 12 is a closed cylinder and contains an air cushion, and the said space and the rod 10 form a dash pot.

By the arrangement just described, a triple cushioning effect is obtained, the first being that of the spring 13, the next the air cushion, and the third, the plugs 11 and 12. lVhen the machine alights, the wheels 7 first touch the ground or other supporting surface and the rod 10, is pushed upwardly in the standard. The spring 13 exerts an immediate cushioning effect, and before the rod 10 has moved any considerable distance in the standard, the air cushion begins to exert a cushioning effect. Should the rod move inwardly a suhicient distance to cause the plug 11 to contact with the plug 12, the cushioning effect of the rubber plugs would come into play.

The front pair of standards 6 is connected by a cross brace 15 just below the upper plane, and longitudinally extending rods or bars 16 extend between the adjacent members of the pairs of standards at the brace 15 and beyond the rearmost pair of standards. The front pair of standards are also braced against each other at the ribs 14 by means of a cross brace 17, and other longitudinally extending rods or bars 18 are arranged between the adjacent members of the pairs at the level of the brace 17, the said rods or pairs 18 extending rearwardly approximately parallel with the rods or bars 16. The rods or bars 16 and 18 are a part of the framework of the body of the bi-plane. The members 16 of the upper pair of rods or bars and the members 18 of the lower pair of rods or bars are connected at suitable intervals by cross bars 19, and the adjacent members of the pairs are also connected at suitable intervals, and at the cross bars 19 by other rods or bars 20, the said rods or bars 20 being arranged in vertical position. Thus a body framework is formed of approximately rectangular cross section, and the said body extends in rear of the upper plane for a considerable distance as shown in Fig. 3. Studs 21 extend upwardly from the upper ends of the standards 6, each stud having a head as shown.

Flexible members 23 are passed through openings in the front edge of the jib balloon or parachute cover and each of the said flexible members is provided with a head or enlargement 22 at its upper end. The flexible members pass downward through the bar 1 to a connection with mechanism to be later described. The rear side of the said jib or cover is secured to the body of the framework in the same manner that the ends are secured to the upper plane, and the said cover extends to near the rear end of the body frame, and the rear corners of the said cover are cutaway as shown more particularly in Fig. l, so that the jib or cover is approximately triangular in shape. A lower plane or wing is arranged at each side of the body frame, directly below the upper plane. Each of the said wings or planes is composed of longitudinally extending rods or bars 24, and cross bars 25.

The bars 24 have their inner ends connected with the standards 6, just above the cross bars 17, and the outer ends of the said bars are connected to the bars 1 and 3 by means of vertical struts 26. A covering 27 is arranged on the framework consisting of the bars 24-25 at each side of the body frame, and it will be noted that the rear bar 24 is arranged intermediate the ends of the bars or rods 25. Each of the rods or bars 214 extends from the struts 26 at its outer ends to the standards 6 at the opposite side of the frame work, and the said rods or bars 214 are arched upwardly as shown. The bars 215 are also arched so that the low'er plane consists of two wings shaped to resemble the wings of a bird.

Stays 28 of rod or wire extend from the outer ends of the bars 24 to the adjacent standards, and other stays 29 are arranged between the adjacent ends of the bars 1 and 3i of the upper plane and the bars 24 of the lower plane. The lower plane is of less length than the upper plane, so that the ends of the upper plane extend beyond the ends of the lower plane as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, and a covering 30 of canvas or the like, is arranged between the said planes, the covering being supported by the struts 26 and by the upper and lower planes. Lacings 3l are provided for connecting the covering to the struts.

The covering 4 before mentioned, extends the full length of the upper plane, but the central portion thereof is beneath the jib or covering 5, so that only the ends of the covering 4 appear. A platform or floor 32 is supported transversely of the standards just above the bars 18 by struts 34, and a seat 85 for the operator is arranged at the rear of the platform.

A pair of motors 36 and 36 is arranged at the front of the platform, the said motors being near the opposite sides of the platform, as shown. A propeller shaft 37 is j ournaled in bearings 38 and 38 in the cross bars 15 before mentioned, and a propeller 39 of the usual construction is secured to the front end of the shaft, the said front end being extended beyond the front pair 0f standards.

Sprocket wheels 40 and 40a are journaled loosely on the propeller shaft, and each of. the said sprocket wheels is connected to the adjacent motor by means of a chain 41 and 41'L respectively. Each of the sprocket wheels is provided with a hub 42 extending beyond both faces of the wheel, and the outer end of each of the hubs is provided with ratchet teeth 43. A sleeve 44 is keyed to the shaft at the outer side of each wheel j and each sleeve is provided at the end adeither may be stopped without stopping the rotation of the propeller shaft, if desired. It will be obvious that when the wheel for instance, is being driven by the motor, to drive the shaft 37, the wheel 40 may stand motionless. In this case the shaft 37 will carry the sleeve 44 adjacent to the said wheel 4() forwardly and the teeth of the sleeve will slip idly over the teeth 43 of the hub of the Wheel. rlhe spring 45 normally retains both wheels in engagement with the teeth.

The flexible members 23 connected with the lower ends of the studs 22 at each side of the body frame pass over pulleys 46 and over a drum 47 having annular grooves to a connection with the lower end of a lever 48 pivoted to one of the arms 49 of a substantially U -shaped bracket, the said bracket comprising a body 50 secured to the floor or platform 32 and arms 49 and 49, each arm having an arc-shaped series of teeth at its upper end.

The pulley 47 is annularly grooved to receive the flexible members and the pulleys 4G and drums 47 are direction elements for guiding the said flexible members in their movement. The lever is pivoted to the bracket arm 49 intermediate the ends of the lever as indicated at 5l, and latch mechanism 52 is provided for holding the lever in adjusted position. A lever 48 and a bracket 49-49a-50 is arranged at each side of the seat, and the lever 48 of each bracket is adjacent to the operator.

Each lever 48 is connected to the studs 22 at the adjacent side of the body frame, so that each lever controls one side of the balloon jib or parachute cover 5. A single lever 53 is pivoted to the arm 49a of each bracket intermediate the ends of the lever as indicated at 54, and the said lever is provided with latch mechanism 55 for holdin the lever in adjusted position, the latch mechanism coperating with the teeth of the arm.

Flexible members 5G and 5Gn as for instance, wires or cords are connected with each lever 53, the connection being above and below the pivotal connection of the lever. The flexible members of each lever extend from the lever to a connection with the upper and lower faces of a tail section 57 at the adjacent side of the central frame. Each of the tail sections is of right-triangular form, and each section is arranged with its hypotenuse forwardly and outwardly, one side of the said section being adjacent to the central framework and the other side being in alinement with the corresponding side of the other tail section.

All of the sections are on a common shaft as shown, and each section is provided with a bearing 60 on its under face for engaging the shaft.' The flexible members 56 and 56a of each tail section pass over pulleys 58, which are direction elements for the said members, and the sections are mounted to swing on the shaft 59 independently of each other. The shaft 59 is journaled in bearings which are supported between pairs of vertical bars Gl, and the shaft is supported intermediate its ends.

It will be evident from the description that either tail section may be operated independently or the said sections may be operated together. The provision of two sections for vertical guidance is a measure of safety, and as a rule both sections will be operated simultaneously. Should for instance, either section become damaged for any reason, as for instance, through breaking or jamming of the flexible members connected therewith, the other section is left for use, and since it is entirely independent of the first-named section, the breaking of one section cannot affect the other. Thus for the vertical guidance of the machine, which is by far the most essential guidance, a double control is provided. It is obvious that the operator must be able to descend whether or not he is able to move laterally. The tail sections are composed of triangular frames, each having a covering of flexible material, as for instance, canvas laced thereon.

A vertically arranged rudder 62 of triangular form is provided at the rear of the body frame, the said rudder having its apex forwardly. A shaft G3 is secured to the rudder near the apex, and the apex and adjacent portion of the rudder is inside the body frame, the base and the wide portion of the rudder being outside. It will be noticed that the base of the rudder is arcshaped, the ksaid base being formed on a circle whose center is near the apex vof the rudder. The shaft G3 is journaled in bearings 64 in the rear cross bars 19, and flexible members G5, in the form of cords or wires are connected with the opposite faces of the rudder at the apex. The said cords or wires extend laterally outward to pulleys 6G, mounted on the body frame, and hence forwardly to a steering post or shaft 67 journaled in vertical position in the platform or floor 32 in front of the seat.

A steering wheel (38 is secured to the upper end of the post or shaft, and a drum (39 is secured to the lower end of the shaft below the platform. rllhe cords or wires 66 before mentioned, wind upon the drum in opposite directions, and it will be evident that when the drum is turned the rudder will be swung in one direction. The cords or wires 6G are supported by pulleys 70, the said pulleys being direction elements for the said cords or wires.

Stays 71 of wire or the like are arranged between the cross bar or rib 2 which is directly above the covering 30 and the body frame, the stays being connected at their front ends with the said ribs or bars and at their other ends with the body frame at the upper side thereof. Other stays 72 are arranged between the rods or bars 1 at the upper ends of the struts 26 and the adjacent standards, and pairs of oppositely extending diagonal stays 73 are arranged between the adjacent members of the pairs of bars 16 and 18.

All of the coverings are preferably connected to the rods or bars by lacings as shown, the said lacings passing through eyelets or openings in the coverings to permit the quick detachment and replacement of the said coverings. It will be noticed that neither ailerons nor warpable members are provided, the stabilizing being provided for by the arrangement shown at the ends of the planes, that is, the covering 30 and that portion of the covering 4 extends beyond the ends of the ib or parachute cover 5.

The balloon jib or parachute cover 5 is a safety device and a braking device, performing thus a double function. Other stays 74 are arranged between the standards below the cross bars 17 and below the bars 18, and the front bearing 38vfor the propeller shaft is supported against the adjacent standards by inclined braces 75.

It will be noted from an inspection of Figs. l and 4, that the covering 4 of the upper plane is in two portions or sections, one portion or section being arranged at each side of the central frame, and that the space between the uppermost pair of bars 16 is open so far as concerns the covering 4 of the upper plane. Each section or portion of the covering 4 is cutaway from the rear edge thereof to the rear bar 3, intermediate the ends of the said portion or section as shown at 89, and stabilizing jibs 90 are arranged on each side of the central frame, the said jibs being substantially triangular in shape as shown. Each jib is approximately a righttriangle, having one of its sides laced to one of the uppermost bars 16 of the central frame, and the other side laced to the bar 3 of the upper plane. The hypotenuse of each jib is flush with the adjacent edge of the balloon jib or parachute cover. T he cutaway portions 89 of the upper plane are below the front edge of the stabilizing jibs, and the said jibs cover the openings formed by the cutting away of the material of the cover of the upper plane.

In practice, with an upper plane having a length of 40 feet and a width of six feet, each cutaway portion 89 would have a length of 5 feet and a width of two feet, and the inner ends of the cutaway portion would be spaced from the center of the upper plane, a distance of 10 feet. The length over all of the central frame with the above dimensions of the upper plane would be 24 feet, namely, 4 feet from the front end to the bar 3, 15 feet from the bar 3 to the rear ends of the stabilizing jibs and 5 feet from the rear ends of the stabilizing jibs to the rear end of the central frame.

The stabilizing jibs are arranged as speciiied to prevent the air striking the under face of the balloon jib when the machine is in motion. The air passing below the upper plane, will strike the under surfaces of the stabilizing jibs instead of striking the under surfaces of the balloon jibs. The entire width of the central frame from the front end of the upper plane to the rear ends of the stabilizing jibs is open beneath the balloon jib or parachute cover, so that the air may have free access to the said cover at this point. The stabilizing jibs in practice are taut, being laced rmly in place, while the balloon jib or parachute cover has considerable play or looseness. The. outer edges, that is, the edges adjacent to the stays 71 of the balloon jib and stabilizing jibs are free, there being no connection between the jibs at this point. Vith a machine of the dimensions above stated, the balloon jib should have suflicient play to permit the central portion to lift at least two feet above the upper plane. The cutaway portions 89 of the upper plane are for the purpose of permitting the air beneath the plane to strike the stabilizing jibs directly at these points.

The upward movement of the cover 5, that is,` the movement of the said cover away from the cover 4 is limited by the heads of the studs 21, and also by stops 75 on the flexible members 23. The said stops are arranged at a suitable distance from the head of the flexible members, the distance depending upon the distance it is desired that the cover 5 may be lifted.

The operation of the bi-plane is as follows:-VVith the motors connected to the propeller shaft and running, the shaft will be rotated and when the proper speed is attained, the machine is released, and will move forwardly, gradually rising from the ground. The vertical movement, whether the machine shall rise or fall, will depend upon the position of the tail sections 57. Vhen the front ends o-f the sections are lifted the machine, as a whole, will descend while when the said front ends are lowered, the machine will rise. tions may be operated. The rudder 62 provides for lateral guidance, and the machine, as a whole, is stabilized by the coverings 4 and 30 as before mentioned.

One of the functions of the balloon jib or parachute cover is to prevent the rapid fall of the machine through accident. Should the machine begin to fall for any reason, the operator merely releases the shafts 48 from the adjacent bracket arms. The air will Either or both sec- `l lLl-Lh HLDUNHU l IUO enter between the cover l and the cover 5, and will lift the cover 5 away from the covering 4, and the air caught beneath the said cover 5 will act as a brake to slow the falling movement of the machine. The said device may also be used to brake or slow the forward movement of the machine, or as a stabilizing device. Vhen for instance, it is desired to check the speed of the forward movement, the operator will release the levers 48 and the air will enter between the coverings 4 and 5 and will lift the cover 5.

The tendency of the bi-plane to, dip is counteracted by the planes 30 at the ends of the lower planes and extending vertically between the lower plane and the upper plane. When, for instance, the bi-plane tends to dip at either side air will be trapped under the covering 3 between the same and the covering 30 at the dipping side, while the air may escape freely at the opposite side of the bi-plane because the covering 3 at the said side inclines upwardly toward its outer end, and there is nothing to hold the air which is free to slip out past the end of the upper plane.

In Fig. ll is shown a construction for securing automatic stability, wherein mechanism is provided for positively lifting either side of the upper plane and connected parts, operated in connection with the rudder 62 for insuring stability and to prevent dipping. The arrangement when in use changes the angle of incidence of the plane. W ith this arrangement studs 77 extend upward from the rear pair of standards 6, and each stud is provided with a head 78 at its upper end. Each head has a lateral inwardly extending lug 79, and a pulley 8O depends from each lug. A flexible member 81, as for instance, a cord or wire has one end connected to the cover of the upper plane adjacent to the stud as indicated at 88. From the connection at 8S each of the flexible members passes upward over the adjacent pulley S0 and then downward through an opening in the covering 76 and over pulleys 83, to wind upon the drum 69L secured to the lower end of the steering post 67.

A coil spring 77 encircles each stud between the head and the upper face of the plane, and the springs act normally to press the plane downward. rIhe flexible members wind upon the drum 69L in opposite directions, and it will be evident that when the steering post is turned by means of the steering wheel 68 to guide the machine, that portion of the plane adjacent to one of the studs will be lifted.

In Fig. l1 the steering wheel 68 is shown, so arranged that it will operate the rudder 62 in connection with the covering 76 of the upper plane. Vith this arrangement the steering post 67 to which the wheel 68 1s secured has two drums, namely, a drum 69 and a drum 69a. The flexible members 65 from the rudder 62 wind upon the drum 69 in opposite directions, this arrangement being shown more clearly in Fig. 12. The iexible members 81 which are connected at one end to the covering 76 wind at their other end upon the drum 69, direction elements 83 in the form of pulleys being provided between the covering and the drum. In turning when the rudder 62 is moved in a direction to cause the machine to turn to the right for instance, (the said rudder being connected to the drum 69,) the covering 76 (which is the plane or covering for the plane and corresponds to the covering 4 of Fig. l) is lifted at the opposite side from that toward which the machine turns, by means of the flexible member 81 connected thereto. In this construction (Fig. 11) the plane 76 is not cut away at the center, as in the construction of Fig. l, but the material of the plane, that is, the covering of the plane is extended across the central frame.` Thus the upper plane instead of being composed of two planes, one at each side of the central frame, is composed of a single plane or covering extending from one side of the complete machine to the other.

vWith the construction of Fig. 11, the lifting of the covering of the plane releases the air beneath the plane at the point where the covering is lifted and changes the angle of incidence of the plane, thus preventing any tendency to dip. Thus in Fig. l1 the tendency to dip during the turning is automatically counteracted, the mechanism shown in the said iigure being automatically controlled by the operation of the guiding means. The construction of Fig. 1l is especially designed to secure automatic stability, and this construction in connection with the arrangement of the planes 30 and 4 positively counteracts dipping. The springs 7a do not hold the covering of the plane rigidly and tightly against the frame work of the frame. On the contrary, the spring may yield so that the covering may lift of its own accord, when for instance, a gust is encountered that would tend to cause the plane to dip. In this instance either side may be lifted against the resistance of the adjacent spring 77@- to counteract the tipping efect of the gust.

As before stated, the lower wings are arched longitudinally as well as transversely, and they are so arranged that the convex surface is inward as well as upward. This shape of the lower wings or planes coperates with the vertical planes 30 and the end planes, namely, the portion of the upper pla-ne that extends beyond the planes 30, in securing automatic stability. For instance, referring to Fig. 2, should the left end of the bi-plane dip, the air is pocketed beneath the left wing and beneath the extension of the upper plane. At the same time the air is free to escape at the right end o-f the plane, since both the lower wing and the extension inclines upwardly toward their outer ends.

1n Fig. 12 t-he steering wheel and its connections are shown. lith this construction the flexible members 65 which are connected with the opposite sides of the rudder 62, extend forwardly over direction elements in the form of pulleys 66 and wind upon a drum 69. This drum is secured to the lower end of the steering shaft or post 67, carrying the wheel 68 at its upper end for convenience in oscillating the post or shaft. The flexible members 81 before mentioned, which are connected with the covering of the upper plane at one end wind upon a drum 69'r1 at the other end, the said members passing over direction elements 83 between the coverings 76 and the drum.

It will be understood that in turning the rudder 62 is moved to cause the machine to turn in the desired direction, while at the same time the covering 76 is lifted at the opposite side from that toward which the machine is turning. The. manner in which the iexible members 81 wind upon the drum 69a is exactly opposite to the manner in which the flexible members 65 wind upon the drum 69, so that when the wheel 68 is turned to swing the rudder 62 in a direction to cause the bi-plane to swing to the right for instance, the drum 69a will be operated to lift the covering 76 at the left of the operator. Thus whenever the rudder 62 is swung, the covering` 76 is lifted in the proper manner to counteract dipping and to secure automatic stability. It will be understood that the parachute cover is inserted solely as a safety device to prevent injury when alighting, or for braking the machine in the air. The construction shown in Figs. 11 and 12 is designed for securing automatic stability as above described.

I claim 1. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the same at cach end, connections between the planes, said connections being at the outer ends of the lower plane, a covering between the planes at each connection, a central frame extending rearwardly beyond the planes at the center thereof, a flexibleJ cover having its ends connected with the upper plane and extending over the central frame, guide studs connected with the central frame and extending upwardly, the parachute cover having openings through which the guide studs extend and the said studs having` heads for limiting the movement of the cover away from the planes, means for holding the front edge of the cover in Contact with the upper surface of the upper plane, and means controlled by the operator for releasing the holding means at either side of the central frame.

2. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the same at each end, connections between the planes, said connections being at the outer ends of the lower plane and a cover between the planes at each connection, a central frame extending rearwardly beyond the planes at the center thereof, a flexible cover having its ends connected with the upper plane and extending over the central frame, means for limiting the upward movement of the central portion of the front edge of the parachute cover with respect to the upper plane, means for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper surface of the upper plane, and means controlled by the operator for releasing the holding means at either side of the central frame.

3. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the same at each end, connections between the planes, said connections being at the vouter ends of the lower plane, a covering between the planes at each connection, a central frame extending rearwardly beyond the planes at the center thereof, a flexible covering having its ends connected with the upper plane and extending over the central frame, means for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper surface of the upper plane, and means controlled by the operator for releasing the holding means at either side of the central frame.

4. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the same at each end, connections between the planes, said connections being at the outer ends of the lower plane, a covering between the planes at each connection, a central frame extending rearwardly beyond the planes at the center thereof, a flexible covering having its ends connected with the upper plane and extending over the central frame, means for drawing down the front edge of the parachute cover at each side of the central frame and for holding it in contact with the upper plane, each of the said means being under the control of the operator.

5. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the same at each end, connections between the planes, said connections being at the outer ends o-f the lower plane, a covering between the planes at each connection, a central frame connected with the plane, a

244. Atnuwaunoo parachute cover arranged above the upper plane, means at each side of the central frame for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane, each of the said means being under the control of the operator.

6. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the same at each end, an imperforate connection between the planes at each end of the lower plane and approximately perpendicular to the said lower plane, a parachute cover arranged above the planes, means at each side of the center of the planes for holding a portion of the front edge of the said cover in contact with the upper plane, each of the said means being releasable to permit the cover to rise, said releasing means being under the control of the operator.

7. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower approximately parallel supporting planes, the upper plane being of greater length than the lower plane and extending beyond the said lower plane at each end thereof, and an approximately vertical plane between the planes at each end of the lower plane, a central frame extending rearwardly from the center of the upper and lower planes, a wing at each side of the rear end of the said frame, a shaft arranged transversely of the said rear end of the central frame, the wings being journaled on the ends of the shaft, and means under the control of the operator for swinging either wing on the shaft.

8. A bi-plane comprising upper and lower planes, the upper plane extending beyond the lower plane at both ends thereof, a flexible covering connected with the planes at each end of the lower plane and approximately perpendicular to the said planes, a central frame extending rearwardly from the planes, a parachute cover arranged above the upper plane and extending over the central frame, the front edge of the said cover being at the front edge of the upper plane and being free from the said front edge, the remaining edges of the cover being connected to the upper plane and the central frame, and releasable means at each side of the central frame for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane.

9. In a. bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of means for stabilizing the biplane, said means comprising extensions at each end of the upper plane, said extensions extending beyond the adjacent ends of the lower plane, and a vertically arranged plane between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, a flexible cover above the upper plane and the central frame and having its rear and end edges secured to the central frame and the upper plane, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, means for limiting the upward movement of the front edge of the said cover with respect to the upper plane, and releasable means at each side of the central frame for holding the said edge of the cover in contact with the ripper plane.

l0. In a bi-planc, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane, said means comprising extensions at each end of the upper plane, said extensions extending beyond the adjacent ends of the lower plane, and a vertically arranged plane between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, a flexible cover above the upper plane and the central frame and having its rear and end edges secured to the central frame and the upper plane, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, and means at each side of the central frame for holding the said front edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane, each of the said means being releasable and independently controlled.

l1. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the frontend thereof and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane, said means comprising extensions at each end of the upper plane, said extensions extending beyond the adjacent ends of the lower' plane, and a vertically arranged plane between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, a flexible cover above the upper plane and the central frame and having its rear and end edges secured to the central frame and the upper plane, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, means for limiting the upward movement of the front edge of the said cover with respect to the upper plane, and means at each side of the central frame for holding the said edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane.

12. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame, and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertical spaced relation, the propelling means for propelling the frame, the guiding means for guiding the frame, of means for stabilizing the biplane, said means comprising extensions at each end of the upper plane, each extension extending beyond the adjacent end of the lower plane, and a plane arranged between each end of the lower plane and the adjacent surface of the upper plane and approximately perpendicular to the said planes, the upper plane comprising a skeleton frame and a cover for the frame and above the same, said cover having its front edge free from the skeleton frame, yielding means at each side of the central plane for holding the cover in contact with the skeleton frame, steering means connected with the guiding means for controlling the same, and a connection between the steering means and the cover at each side of the central plane for lifting the cover at that side of the central plane away from which the bi-plane is turned when the steering means is operated to turn the bi-plane.

13. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof, and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane, said means comprising extensions at each end of the upper plane, said extensions extending beyond the adjacent ends of the lower plane, and a vertically arranged plane between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, the upper plane comprising a skeleton frame and the covering therefor, said covering being free from the skeleton frame at the front thereof, and a connection between the guiding means and the covering at each side of the central frame for positively lifting the said covering at the side away from which the bi-plane is turned, and yielding means for normally holding the covering in close contact with the skeleton frame.

14. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of a safety device for slowing the fall of the bi-plane, and for braking the forward movement thereof, said means comprising a cover arranged above the upper plane, and extending rearwardly above the central frame and having its end and side edges connected to the upper plane and to the central frame, and having its front edge free from the upper plane, means at each side of the central frame for holding the front edge of the said covering in close contact with the upper plane, each of the said means being releasable for the purpose speciied.

15. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane said means comprising a cover arranged above the upper plane and extending rearwardly above the central frame and having its end and rear side edges connected to the upper plane and to the central frame, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, means for limiting the upward movement of the said front edge of the cover with respect to the upper plane, and means at each side of the central frame for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane.

1G. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, the propelling means and the guiding means, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane, said means comprising a cover arranged above the upper plane and extending rearwardly above the central frame and having its end and rear side edges con nected to the upper plane and to the central frame, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, and means at each side of the central frame for holding` the front edge of the cover in Contact with the upper plane.

17. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, of means for stabilizing the lai-plane, said means comprising a cover arranged loosely abo-ve the upper plane and extending rearwardly above the central frame and having its ends and rear side edge connected to the said plane and frame, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, stabilizing jibs connected at their front ends to the upper plane and extending beneath the parachute cover for preventing air currents from striking the under face of the parachute cover as said currents leave the under face of the lower plane, and means at each side of the central frame for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane, said means being releasable independently at the will of the operator.

18. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the frontend thereof and in vertically spaced relation, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane, said means comprising a cover arranged loosely above the upper plane and extending rearwardly above the central frame and having its ends and rear side edge connected to the said plane and frame, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the uppervplane,

stabilizing jibs connected at their front ends to the upperl plane and extending beneath the parachute cover for preventing air currents from striking the under face of the parachute cover as said currents leave the under face of the lower plane, and means at each side of the central frame for holding the front edge of the cover in contact with the upper plane.

19. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central supporting frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front end thereof and in vertically spaced relation, of means for stabilizing the loi-plane, said means comprising a cover arranged loosely above the upper plane and extending rearwardly above the central frame and having its ends and rear side edge connected to the said plane and frame, the front edge of the said cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, stabilizing jibs connected at their front ends to the upper plane and extending beneath the parachute cover for preventing air currents from striking the. under face of the parachute cover as said currents leave the under face of the lower plane.

20. In a bi-plane, the combination with the upper and lower planes and the central frame extending rearwardly from the planes at the center thereof, of a parachute cover arranged loosely above the upper plane and the central frame, and stabilizing jibs arranged beneath the said cover in rear of the upper plane for preventing air from striking the under face of the said cover except at the front edge thereof, said front edge being free from the plane, and releasable means at each side of the central frame for holding the said front edge of the cover in lowered position.

21. In a bi-plane, the combination with the upper and lower planes and the central frame extending rearwardly from the planes at the center thereof, of a parachute cover arranged loosely above the upper plane and the central frame, and stabilizing jibs arranged beneath the said cover in rear of the upper plane for preventing air from striking the under face of the said cover except at the front edge thereof, said front edge being free from the plane.

22. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front thereof, the upper plane comprising a frame and a flexible covering for the frame, the propelling means for the bi-plane, and the guiding means for guiding the planes laterally, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane and for braking the forward movement thereof, said means comprising an auxiliary parachute cover arranged above the covering of the upper plane and -having its ends and rear side edge connected to the central ra'tsaiaa frame and the upper plane, the front edge of the cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, means at each side of the central frame and near the front edge of the upper plane for holding the front edge of the parachute cover in contact with the plane, either of the said means being releasable at will.

23. In a bi-plane, the combination with the central frame and the upper and lower planes arranged transversely of the front thereof, the propelling means for the biplane, and the guiding means for guiding the planes laterally, of means for stabilizing the bi-plane and for braking the forward movement thereof, said means comprising an auxiliary parachute cover arranged above the upper plane and having its ends and rear side edge connected to the central frame and the upper plane, the front edge of the cover being free from the front edge of the upper plane, and means in rear-of the upper plane and below the parachute cover for preventing air currents from striking the under face of the cover.

24. In a bi-plane, upper and lower planes, and a central frame extending rearwardly from the planes at the center thereof, the upper plane being extended beyond the lower plane at each end, and a vertical plane arranged between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, stabilizing jibs of triangular form at each side of the central frame and extending from the upper face of the upper plane near its rear edge to the adjacent side of the central frame, said upper plane being cut away on each side of the central frame below the stabilizing jibs, and a parachute cover arranged loosely above the upper plane, the stabilizing jibs and the central frame and free at its front edge, and releasable means at each side of the central frame for holding the said front edge downwardly.

25. In a bi-plane, upper and lower planes, and a central frame extending rearwardly from the planes at the center thereof, the upper plane being extended beyond the lower plane at each end, and a vertical plane arranged between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, stabilizing jibs of triangulaiform at each side of the central frame and extending from the upper face of the upper plane near its rear edge to the adjacent side of the central frame, said upper plane being cut away on each side of the central frame below the stabilizing jibs, and a parachute cover arranged loosely above the upper plane, the stabilizing jibs and the central frame, and free at its front edge.

26. In a bi-plane, upper and lower planes, and a central frame extending rearwardly from the planes at the center thereof, the upper plane being extended beyond the lower plane at each end, and a vertical plane arranged between each end of the lower plane and the upper plane, stabilizing jibs of triangular' form at each side of the central frame and extending from the upper face of the upper plane near its rear copies of this pstent may be obtained tot central frame and extending from the upper face of they upper plane near its rear edge to'the adjacent sideof the" central frame,

28.1n a bi-plane, the combination with Ythe planes and the rearwardly extending i central frame connected to the planes, of a parachute cover arranged loosely above the upperv plane and the'central frame, the front edge olf the cover being free, and means at each side of the central frame for protecting the under face of the parachute cover from the current passing rearwardly from the planes.

GUSTAVE G. LELEVIER. Witnesses:

C. E. TRAINOR, SoLoN C. KEMON.

ve eents each, by sddressinz the Commissioner of Pstexts, Washington, D. C." 

